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A young Brazilian woman participating in an exchange program in Colorado found herself in a dire situation after consuming leftover soup, resulting in paralysis and a fight for her life in the hospital.

Claudia de Albuquerque Celada, aged 23, was admitted to the hospital on Feb. 17 after exhibiting symptoms, including paralysis, dizziness, double vision and shortness of breath, Aspen Daily News reported.

Two weeks later, she was diagnosed with botulism, a rare but severe condition caused by a toxin that affects the nerves of the body. Since then, Celada has relied on a breathing aid at the Swedish Medical Center in Denver.

Local health authorities are urging Americans to exercise caution in handling food following the revelation that the exchange worker contracted a deadly bacteria, believed to have originated from leftover soup.

According to reports, investigations linked the Brazilian woman's illness to a pre-packaged soup she purchased while working in Aspen in February. Although tests on soup samples from the same grocery store returned negative for contamination, officials suspect improper storage or cooking methods led to the infection.

The Pitkin County Health Department considers the incident a tragic accident, emphasizing the importance of reassessing food handling practices. Recommendations include refrigerating soup and perishables at temperatures below 4 degrees Celsius, ensuring thorough reheating of food and avoiding leaving food unattended for extended periods.

Celada's sister, Luísa Albuquerque, announced on social media that the Denver hospital is covering her flight back to Brazil via air ambulance.

"We think that recovery close to family and friends is much faster. Comparing the costs between staying here and returning to Brazil, the return is still cheaper," her sister said, according to news.com.au.

However, with daily hospital costs amounting to approximately $15,400 AUD, financial burdens are mounting. The family's travel insurance has expired, compounding their struggles to cover escalating medical expenses.

The timeline of events leading to Celada's hospitalization remains unclear. Initially experiencing symptoms of illness in February, she rapidly deteriorated, exhibiting severe respiratory distress and facial paralysis upon admission to the hospital. While the exact source of the infection is unknown, her family suspects it to be foodborne.

Botulism, characterized by symptoms starting in the eyes, face, mouth and throat before spreading to other body parts, poses a significant threat to health, including respiratory muscle weakness that can lead to breathing difficulties or death.

Authorities in Pitkin County have assured the public that the case appears isolated, with no identified risk to the broader community.

Fundraising efforts have been initiated by Celada's family to alleviate the financial burden, following the Denver hospital's commitment to cover transportation expenses.